Employee of the Quarter

Before Dennis Thompson joined the Lansing Public Works Department two and a half years ago, the city had to hire an outside inspector when any new subdivisions, sewer lines or construction in the right-of-way came along.

Now, with Thompson onboard, inspections are all conducted in-house.

Dennis Thompson

"Any public improvement:curbs, sidewalks considered top hazards, etcetera...I'm the inspector on them," Thompson said.

The city showed Thompson their appreciation for his services by naming him Employee of the Quarter last week at the Lansing City Council meeting.

"I don't understand:I guess I haven't made anyone mad yet," Thompson said, smiling. "No, but I get along with everybody. They have good people working here."

With the traffic delays associated with Lansing's Main Street Improvement Project this summer, Thompson said local residents are constantly asking him construction-related questions.

"Getting there is the hard part," Thompson said. "Sometimes people don't realize what it takes, but overall people have been really patient. Ken Miller (project liaison for the project) has been a big help, too."

Outside of his job, Thompson said he enjoys spending time with his wife and also collects remote control cars.

"I have a whole box of them," he said. "I've got a hummer, a Ferrari, and a Sherman tank that shoots little darts.

"I'm just a big kid. With no kids at home they're both grown; we got married young we have a lot of fun. We enjoy life."

NAME: Dennis Thompson

ADDRESS: Olathe

OCCUPATION: Construction Inspector and Engineer Technician for the city of Lansing

FAMILY: Peggy, wife; Jeff, son; Kelly, son

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN THE AREA AND WHAT BROUGHT YOU HERE? "I went to work for an engineering firm, and they had an office up here, so that's how I ended up in Leavenworth."

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LANSING? "It's just a clean, friendly town, a well-kept town. Everyone I've had to deal with has been really friendly."

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN? "We go eat out a lot me and my wife. We like to try different restaurants. And just working in the yard. That's about all I have time for."

WHAT MIGHT SURPRISE PEOPLE ABOUT YOU? "I like to collect remote control cars."

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED? "Take one day at a time, and don't stress. Things work out."

WHAT CLUBS OR ORGANIZATIONS DO YOU BELONG TO? "Nothing at this point."